Korean War
Gave his life
David M. Smith
Private First Class · U.S. Army
U.S. Army, Company E, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2d Infantry Division
1 September 1950 · Yongsan, Korea
Public domain. Unknown author Unknown author Source file
- Branch
- U.S. Army
- Era
- Korean War
- Home state
- Kentucky
- Action
- Yongsan, Korea
The citation
Official citation
Private First Class Smith, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action. Private First Class Smith was a gunner in the mortar section of Company E, emplaced in rugged mountainous terrain and under attack by a numerically superior hostile force. Bitter fighting ensued and the enemy overran forward elements, infiltrated the perimeter, and rendered friendly positions untenable. The mortar section was ordered to withdraw, but the enemy had encircled and closed in on the position. Observing a grenade lobbed at his emplacement, Private First Class Smith shouted a warning to his comrades and, fully aware of the odds against him, flung himself upon it and smothered the explosion with his body. Although mortally wounded in this display of valor, his intrepid act saved 5 men from death or serious injury. Private First Class Smith's inspirational conduct and supreme sacrifice reflect lasting glory on himself and are in keeping with the noble traditions of the infantry of the U.S. Army.
Sources
- U.S. Army Medal of Honor citation index
- Wikipedia. Linked only. The article text is not copied here.
